THE DISADVANTAGE OF COMPLEXITY OF ORGANISATION IN THE HIGHER ORGANISMS IS THAT IT LEADS TO

• A. mutual interdependence between component cells
• B. internal structural specialization
• C. increased adaptation to environment
• D. slower rate of diffusion of oxygen to individual cells ✓

The disadvantage of complexity of organization in higher organisms, such as multicellular organisms, is that it leads to a slower rate of diffusion of oxygen to individual cells. As organisms become more complex and larger in size, the distance between the outer environment and the innermost cells increases. This results in a longer diffusion pathway for essential substances like oxygen to reach individual cells deep within the organism. The efficiency of diffusion decreases as the distance over which molecules must travel increases, leading to potential limitations in supplying oxygen to all cells in a timely manner.

As organisms increase in complexity and size, their reliance on simple diffusion for the transport of essential substances like oxygen becomes less efficient due to the increased distance that molecules must travel through specialized tissues and structures.